Catheter drive

Abstract

A catheter drive system, comprising: an inner tube adapted for inserting into a human body; an outer tube configured to slidably and snugly engage said inner tube, outside of a human body; and a pushing mechanism adapted to apply a pushing force to said inner tube less than 100 mm from an end thereof, such that said inner tube can extend at least 200 mm.

1 . A catheter drive system, comprising: 
 an inner tube adapted for inserting into a human body;    an outer tube configured to slidably and snugly engage said inner tube, outside of a human body; and    a pushing mechanism adapted to apply a pushing force to said inner tube less than 100 mm from an end thereof, such that said inner tube can extend at least 200 mm.    
   
   
       2 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said inner tube can extend at least 500 mm.  
   
   
       3 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said pushing mechanism comprises a hydraulic mechanism.  
   
   
       4 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said pushing mechanism comprises a solid body applying direct force to near said distal end.  
   
   
       5 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said inner tube mounts outside said outer tube.  
   
   
       6 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said inner tube mounts said outer tube.  
   
   
       7 . A system according to  claim 6 , comprising a fluid seal between said inner and said outer tubes.  
   
   
       8 . A system according to  claim 7 , wherein said fluid seal is enhanced by increased pressure of a working fluid.  
   
   
       9 . A system according to  claim 1 , comprising a fluid inflation channel inside said inner tube.  
   
   
       10 . A system according to  claim 9 , wherein said fluid inflation channel extends through and out of said outer tube.  
   
   
       11 . A system according to  claim 10 , comprising a port in said outer tube adapted to prevent fluid leakage between said outer tube and said inflation channel.  
   
   
       12 . A system according to  claim 11 , wherein said port includes a valve whose seal improves when working fluid pressure is increased in said outer tube.  
   
   
       13 . A system according to  claim 1 , comprising a rapid attachment mechanism for attaching said outer tube to a sheath.  
   
   
       14 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said inner tube comprises a single tube configured for contact with blood inside said human body.  
   
   
       15 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said inner tube has a varying diameter.  
   
   
       16 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said inner tube has a balloon at its distal end.  
   
   
       17 . A system according to  claim 16 , wherein said balloon has a stent mounted thereon.  
   
   
       18 . A system according to  claim 1 , comprising an inflation channel.  
   
   
       19 . A system according to  claim 18 , wherein said inflation channel is configured to be stored outside of said outer tube, in an uncollapsed configuration.  
   
   
       20 . A system according to  claim 18 , wherein said inflation channel is stored in a protective sheath.  
   
   
       21 . A system according to  claim 18 , wherein said inflation channel is metallic.  
   
   
       22 . A method of navigating a catheter in a body, comprising: 
 (a) inserting an inner tube into the body;    (b) sliding said inner tube relative to an outer tube, outside the body; and    (c) applying a force near a distal end of said inner tube, to achieve said sliding.    
   
   
       23 . A method according to  claim 22 , wherein said force is applied by increasing the pressure of a working fluid inside said outer tube.  
   
   
       24 . A method according to  claim 22 , comprising navigating said inner tube in a coronary vessel.  
   
   
       25 . A method according to  claim 22 , comprising navigating said inner tube in a neurovascular system.  
   
   
       26 . A method according to  claim 22 , wherein said inner tube is an only tube inside the body, in contact with blood and mechanically coupled to the catheter.